Video summary

Yamaha Tenere 700 or Honda Transalp XL750?

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product reviewed

Comparison of two mid-size adventure motorcycles: Yamaha Ténéré 700 vs Honda Transalp XL750.

Key features mentioned

Yamaha Ténéré 700

  • Engine: 689cc twin, ~73 hp
  • Electronics/ride modes: Traction control (noted as problematic), 2 riding modes
  • Seat/ergonomics: Very tall seat ~87.5 cm, narrow/hard seat; wide handlebar but too low/forward; pegs/foot-down stance described as awkward
  • Wind protection: No/insufficient adjustment, strong buffeting
  • Brakes: Strong brakes, but front brake described as “nervous”; rear brake position forces annoying foot adjustment
  • Fuel tank: 16 L
  • Weight/feel: ~208 kg; feels light at low speed but becomes noticeable due to high center of gravity when moving/riding faster
  • Tech: Basic (no cruise, no keyless, simple display)
  • Sound: Acceptable at low RPM; becomes harsh/shouty when revved
  • Design: Rally vibe, aggressive front end with four LED lights
  • “X factor” framing: Character tied mainly to name/legacy (Dakar/adventure image)

Honda Transalp XL750

  • Engine: ~91 hp, more torque; quick shifter is highlighted
  • Electronics/ride modes: Ride modes + ABS, quick-shifter option, heated grips; traction control not well calibrated outside Sport mode
  • Engine behavior: Lively but not “explosive”; needs revs—starts losing enthusiasm around ~8,000 rpm
  • Handling: Neutral and natural almost everywhere; can brake/accelerate mid-corner; only awkward at crawling speeds
  • Suspension feel: More comfortable/floaty on smooth roads, becomes nervous on rougher terrain
  • Seat/ergonomics: Seat is plush and lower (~85 cm); forward peg placement; handlebar feels slightly close but overall easier for long rides (speaker is 1.83 m / 6 ft)
  • Wind protection: Taller (aftermarket) screen described as perfect; not stock, so not fully credited as a win
  • Brakes: Overall very good; rear brake praised as one of the best ever (despite a slightly weird lever reach)
  • Fuel tank: 16.9 L (slight technical advantage over Tenere)
  • Weight/feel: ~208 kg but “feels light all the time” except when pushing in parking lot
  • Tech: Still considered somewhat outdated/underwhelming for 2026; lacks cruise, keyless, cornering ABS
  • Sound: Surprisingly enjoyable; more exciting than Tenere
  • Design: “Good” but not very exciting visually
  • “X factor” framing: More emotional riding due to sound; sound is the biggest character source

Pros / Cons (as stated)

Yamaha Ténéré 700

Pros

  • Cool/aggressive look; strong brand/heritage appeal
  • Handling is good at low speeds; compliant/predictable there
  • Front/end presence (rally vibe)
  • Strong brakes in general (but execution issues noted)

Cons

  • Engine not exciting; traction control interfering in 1st gear on full throttle; short gearing causes frequent shifting
  • Both ride modes described as annoying
  • Handling becomes reluctant to turn around 70–80 km/h (“thinking” delay)
  • Seat comfort/ergonomics: tall, narrow, hard; awkward foot-down posture
  • Very poor wind protection (buffeting; no adjustment)
  • Front brake described as nervous; rear brake lever placement forces annoying foot adjustment
  • Sound turns harsh/shouty at higher RPM
  • Worse value vs what Honda offers at similar price

Honda Transalp XL750

Pros

  • More competent overall rideability
  • Engine performance winner: more power/torque than Tenere; quick shifter good
  • Handling neutral/natural almost everywhere; mid-corner control
  • Comfort and ergonomics better for longer rides
  • Braking execution strongly praised, especially rear brake
  • Feels easier to manage despite similar weight
  • More enjoyable sound and more riding emotion
  • Better price-to-performance

Cons

  • Traction control not well calibrated outside Sport mode
  • Engine needs revs; loses enthusiasm after ~8,000 rpm
  • Suspension can become nervous on rough/aggressive terrain
  • Wind protection advantage relies on aftermarket screen (not stock)
  • Tech considered “underwhelming” for the time: no cruise, no keyless, no cornering ABS

Comparisons / category results (as explicitly declared)

  • Engines/Performance: Transalp wins
  • Handling: Transalp wins
  • Suspension: Draw
  • Seat & position comfort: Transalp wins (with certainty)
  • Wind protection: Unofficially Tenere loses, officially not called a full win because Honda benefit is aftermarket
  • Brakes: Transalp wins easily
  • Fuel capacity: Slight Transalp advantage (16.9 L vs 16 L) but “won’t change life dramatically”
  • Weight/real-world feel: Transalp wins (easier to manage; Tenere’s high CG becomes noticeable)
  • Tech: Tie (both basic/dated; missing desirable features)
  • Sound: Transalp wins
  • Design (subjective): Tenere wins
  • Price/value: Transalp wins very definitely
  • “X factor” (emotional appeal): Transalp edges out (real feelings preferred; Tenere is more image/name-driven)

Overall conclusion from the speaker

  • Tenere 700 wins only in design (and partly “thinking emotion” via legacy).
  • Transalp XL750 wins everywhere else, including the categories the speaker prioritizes for actual riding.
  • Final recommendation: Choose Transalp if you care how the bike rides. Choose Tenere only if you want the image/legacy.

Numerical details included

  • Tenere engine: 689cc, ~73 hp
  • Transalp engine: ~91 hp
  • Tenere seat height: ~87.5 cm
  • Transalp seat height: ~85 cm
  • Handling issue reference: ~70–80 km/h
  • Engine behavior reference: Transalp loses enthusiasm at ~8,000 rpm
  • Fuel tanks: Tenere 16 L, Transalp 16.9 L
  • Bike weight: both around ~208 kg
  • Speaker height: 1.83 m / 6 ft
  • No formal star/score ratings were provided.

Unique points mentioned about user experience

  • Tenere: More enjoyable at low speed, but awkward at higher speeds; physically demanding due to tall seat and less relaxed posture; unpleasant buffeting due to wind; brake feel described as less competent.
  • Transalp: Easy to ride at most speeds; can perform riding actions mid-corner smoothly; better comfort for longer rides; braking confidence (rear brake stand-out); more enjoyable sound and emotion.

Speaker information

  • Single speaker (Vitold) provided the full comparison and personal verdict.
  • Mentioned reference to his previous full honest Tenere review (for ride mode details), but the opinions themselves are still from the same speaker.

Verdict / recommendation

Buy the Honda Transalp XL750 if your priority is real-world ride quality (engine usability, handling, comfort, braking, sound, and value).

Buy the Yamaha Ténéré 700 only if you primarily want the look and adventure legacy/image, and can tolerate the noted drawbacks in comfort, wind protection, and overall ride competence.

Original video